Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja on Saturday said that genetic mutations were found in the SARS COV-2 samples in the state. However, the minister also stated that the new UK variant of the virus has not been found in the state yet.
The research related to slight genetic mutations in the virus was conducted at Kozhikode research institute. However, this variant has not been said to be similar to the one found in the UK, with a more contagious nature.
The minister said that more studies are being conducted to find out the specific variant of the genetic mutation of the novel coronavirus.
The state has been put on high alert after eight UK returnees had tested positive for the coronavirus and their samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for a detailed genomic study.
K.K. Shailaja had told media that the health department is on high alert and that the government has taken proper precautions on the same.
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She said, "The samples of these persons who have come from Britain and tested positive have already been sent to NIV, Pune and we are expecting the reports from the premier virology institute".
She further said, "If there is a change in genetic constitution of the virus it can be dangerous and we have to wait and watch and not to reduce our guard".
The Health Department is worried over a slight spike in Covid cases in the state for the past couple of days and the increase in test positivity rate. After the recent local body elections, the government is expecting a slight surge in cases.
Kerala is also in festival season and shops and malls are filled with people and with the opening of tourist centres and bars there is an increase in the number of people coming out of their homes and travelling. The health department is worried whether this will again lead to a hike in the number of Covid cases.
With IANS inputs
